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Cranberries add a burst of tart flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. I’ve gathered 18 tasty recipes that showcase these bright red berries. From baked goods to main courses, these ideas will help you enjoy cranberries in new ways.
These recipes work well for holiday meals or any time you want to add some zing to your cooking. I’ve included options for breakfast, snacks, dinners, and desserts.
You’ll find classic favorites along with some creative twists on using cranberries. Let’s explore these delicious cranberry recipes together.
1. Cranberry-Orange Relish
I love making cranberry-orange relish. It’s so easy and tasty. I just pulse fresh cranberries and orange segments in a food processor.
Then I mix in some sugar to balance the tartness. The flavors meld beautifully in the fridge.
This no-cook relish is perfect for holiday meals. The bright, zesty flavor complements the turkey and other dishes nicely.
Get the full cranberry orange relish recipe.
2. Cranberry Walnut Bread
Cranberry walnut bread is a tasty treat I love to make. It combines tart cranberries with crunchy walnuts in a moist, slightly sweet loaf.
I use flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt as the base. Then I mix in cranberries and chopped walnuts.
The bread bakes for about an hour until golden brown. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack with coffee or tea.
3. Spiced Cranberry Sauce
I love adding warm spices to cranberry sauce. It takes the flavor to a whole new level. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice work well.
I simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and spices. The cranberries pop as they cook down into a thick sauce.
This spiced version is great on turkey or spread on sandwiches. It keeps well in the fridge for several days too.
Get the full spiced cranberry sauce recipe.
4. Cranberry Brie Bites
I love making these tasty appetizers for parties. They’re quick and easy to prepare. I use frozen puff pastry as the base.
I cut the pastry into small squares and press them into mini muffin tins. Then I add a cube of Brie cheese and a dollop of cranberry sauce to each one.
After baking, the pastry puffs up around the melty cheese and tart cranberries. The combination of flavors is delicious.
Get the full cranberry brie bites recipe.
5. White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
White chocolate cranberry cookies are a tasty treat I love to make. They mix sweet and tart flavors in a soft, chewy cookie.
The base is a classic butter cookie dough. I add white chocolate chips and dried cranberries to give it holiday flair.
These cookies look festive with red and white colors. They’re perfect for Christmas but good year-round too.
Get the white chocolate cranberry cookies recipe.
6. Cranberry Almond Biscotti
I love making cranberry almond biscotti. These crunchy Italian cookies are perfect for dunking in coffee or tea.
To make them, I mix dried cranberries and chopped almonds into a simple dough. I shape it into logs and bake it twice for extra crispness.
The tangy cranberries and nutty almonds create a delicious flavor combo. These biscotti make great gifts too.
Get the cranberry almond biscotti recipe.
7. Cranberry Glazed Meatballs
I love making cranberry-glazed meatballs for holiday parties. They’re easy to prepare and always a hit. I mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices to form the meatballs.
While they bake, I simmer cranberry sauce with barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and honey to make a tangy-sweet glaze. Once the meatballs are done, I toss them in the glaze until coated.
The cranberry flavor pairs perfectly with the savory meatballs. They’re great as an appetizer or main dish.
8. Cranberry Almond Salad
I love making this quick and tasty salad. It combines fresh spinach with dried cranberries and toasted almonds.
The sweet and tart cranberries contrast nicely with the crunchy nuts. I usually add some crumbled goat cheese on top for extra flavor.
A simple vinaigrette dressing ties it all together. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Get the full almond cranberry salad recipe.
9. Cranberry Mojito
I love making cranberry mojitos during the holidays. This festive twist on the classic cocktail is so refreshing.
I muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice and cranberry syrup in a glass. Then I add white rum and ice, and top it off with a splash of soda water.
The tart cranberry flavor pairs perfectly with the cool mint and zesty lime. It’s a delicious and colorful drink that’s sure to impress guests.
Get the full cranberry mojito recipe.
10. Cranberry Apple Crisp
I love making cranberry apple crisp when I want a cozy dessert. It’s easy to prepare and tastes amazing. I mix sliced apples and fresh cranberries with sugar and spices. Then I top it with a crumbly oat mixture.
After baking, the fruit gets soft and bubbly. The topping turns golden brown and crisp. It’s delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
11. Cranberry Rice Pilaf
I love making cranberry rice pilaf for a tasty side dish. It’s easy to prepare and adds a festive touch to any meal. I start by cooking rice in chicken broth for extra flavor.
While the rice cooks, I sauté onions in butter until soft. Then I mix in dried cranberries and almond slices.
Once the rice is done, I stir in the cranberry mixture. The sweet-tart cranberries perfectly complement the savory rice. This crowd-pleasing dish is good for holidays or everyday dinners.
Get the cranberry rice pilaf recipe.
12. Cranberry Pecan Chicken
I love making cranberry pecan chicken salad. It’s a tasty mix of cooked chicken, dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans.
I add some diced celery for extra crunch. A creamy dressing brings it all together. This salad is great on sandwiches or wraps. I also enjoy it on top of mixed greens or with crackers as a snack.
Get the cranberry pecan chicken salad recipe.
13. Cranberry Lemon Bars
I love making cranberry lemon bars for a tasty treat. These bars blend tart cranberries with zesty lemon for a perfect flavor combo.
The base is a buttery shortbread crust. On top goes a layer of cooked cranberries. Then comes a creamy lemon filling.
After baking, I dust the bars with powdered sugar. The result is a delicious dessert with beautiful red and yellow layers.
Get the cranberry lemon bars recipe.
14. Cranberry Pumpkin Bread
I love making cranberry pumpkin bread in the fall. It combines sweet pumpkin with tart cranberries for a delicious treat.
The bread is moist and flavorful. I mix pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and spices in one bowl. Then I fold in flour, sugar, and fresh cranberries.
I bake it until golden brown. The aroma fills my kitchen as it cools. Slices are perfect with coffee or tea.
Get the cranberry pumpkin bread recipe.
15. Cranberry Stuffed Turkey
I love making cranberry-stuffed turkey for special occasions. It’s a tasty twist on traditional roasted turkey. To prepare it, I butterfly turkey breasts and flatten them with a mallet.
Then I spread a layer of cranberry stuffing over each breast. I roll them up tightly and secure them with kitchen twine. I roast them in the oven until the turkey is cooked through.
The cranberry stuffing adds moisture and flavor to the lean turkey meat. This delicious combination is perfect for the holidays.
Get the easy cranberry turkey stuffing recipe.
16. Cranberry Fig Chutney
I love making cranberry fig chutney. It’s a tasty mix of tart cranberries and sweet figs. I cook them with spices like cinnamon and ginger.
This chutney goes well with roasted meats. I also put it on cheese boards. It adds a nice flavor to sandwiches too.
Making it is easy. I simmer the fruits with sugar and spices. The result is a thick, flavorful spread.
Get the cranberry fig chutney recipe.
17. Cranberry Scones
I love making cranberry scones for breakfast or brunch. They’re easy to prepare and taste delicious.
To make them, I mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then I cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
I fold in dried cranberries and add cream to form the dough. After shaping it into a circle, I cut it into wedges.
I bake the scones until golden brown. They come out tender and bursting with tart cranberry flavor.
Get the cranberry orange scone recipe.
18. Cranberry Maple Oatmeal
I love starting my day with a warm bowl of cranberry maple oatmeal. It’s quick to make and so tasty.
I mix rolled oats with milk, fresh or dried cranberries, and a splash of maple syrup. A pinch of cinnamon adds nice flavor too.
After cooking, I top it with some chopped nuts for crunch. It’s a simple but delicious breakfast that keeps me full all morning.
